Port Hardy RCMP nab impaired drivers in the month of May

May 22nd 2021 was National Impaired driving enforcement day. During the month of May, Port Hardy RCMP targeted impaired drivers. With the assistance of the Integrated Impaired Driving Unit the following stats were achieved in May:

• 24 hour prohibitions: 6
• 12 hour prohibitions: 1
• Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP): 3- 90 day IRP’s and 1 - 3 day IRP

The Integrated Impaired Driving Unit’s mission is to apprehend alcohol and drug impaired drivers and other criminal offences. They conduct many road checks, and check the sobriety of as many drivers as they can to promote traffic safety. Impaired driving is not strictly a night time issue which was illustrated by 3 of the 4 drug impairments occurring before 6PM, and a 90 day IRP occurring before 2PM.

Port Hardy file 2021-1370
On May 8th, 2021 at approximately 11:16PM, Port Hardy RCMP officer was conducting patrols in the area of Bear Cove boat launch in Port Hardy when they came upon a potential impaired driver. Police determined the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by drugs and the driver was issued a 24- hour driving prohibition. The driver was prohibited from driving at the time of the incident and charges will be forwarded. The impaired portion of the incident is still under investigation and additional charges might be sought.

Port Hardy file 2021-1496
On May 19th 2021 at approximately 8pm, Port Hardy RCMP officer was conducting patrols in the area of Hwy 19 and Byng Rd in Port Hardy when they recognized someone driving who they knew did not have a driver’s licence. Police conducted a traffic stop and the driver had an odour of liquor on their breath. Police read an Approved Screening Device Demand and the driver provided a sample of breath that registered a FAIL. The driver was issued a 90-day driving prohibition and 30-day vehicle impoundment.

The RCMP remains committed to enforcing this high-risk driving behaviour and are reminding the public to call 911 to report suspected impaired drivers in their community.